Does the USPS look for drugs in packages?

Asked by: Mrs. Bridgette King  |  Last update: February 19, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (37 votes)

Yes, the United States Postal Service (USPS) actively looks for drugs and other illegal substances in packages. This effort is led by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the federal law enforcement arm of the Postal Service, which works to interdict contraband, including marijuana, fentanyl, and cocaine, in both domestic and international mail.

How does USPS find drugs in the mail?

To detect cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, or other drugs being shipped through the mail, law enforcement officers use K-9 dogs to detect drugs in packages at mailing facilities. These officers also utilize intelligence sources, undercover operations, and confidential informants.

Does the USPS check inside packages?

Generally, no, the USPS doesn't know what's inside your package for domestic mail, as they only scan barcodes and read addresses, but they can inspect certain mail classes (like Media Mail) or open packages if they're suspicious, undeliverable, or for international shipments with customs forms. While domestic mail is sealed against inspection, postal inspectors can obtain warrants to open mail, and K-9 units and X-rays are used for security, especially for international mail. 

Can you ship drugs through the USPS?

Any article deemed unlawful under the Controlled Substances Act is prohibited from mailing (refer to 453.13).

Does the USPS test for drugs?

A pre-employment drug test is ordered for applicants recommended for selection by the interviewer when the applicant is within reach for selection (e.g., no sooner than 90 days before anticipated hiring). Only applicants determined to be drug-free as a result of the urinalysis are eligible for appointment.

How Does The Post Office Check Packages For Drugs? - CountyOffice.org

18 related questions found

What would disqualify you from a USPS job?

You can be disqualified from working at the USPS for failing basic requirements (age, citizenship, Selective Service), a poor driving record (suspensions/revocations, lack of experience), failed drug tests, a history of mail-related crimes (theft, fraud), serious felonies (espionage, treason), unresolved criminal charges, or past removal from federal service for cause. Dishonesty on applications and significant job-related misconduct also lead to disqualification, though felony records aren't always an automatic bar if the conviction is old and you show rehabilitation. 

What kind of test do you take for USPS?

The Virtual Entry Assessment (VEA) is a test that is required for some USPS jobs, including Rural Carrier Associate, City Carrier Assistant, Mail Handler Assistant, Postal Support Employee (PSE) Mail Processing Clerk, and PSE Sales and Services/Distribution Associate.

Does USPS xray all packages?

No, the USPS (United States Postal Service) does not x-ray every package, but they use x-ray screening and other methods for a significant portion of mail, especially items going through major hubs, to large cities, or flagged as suspicious to detect dangerous or illegal items like explosives or drugs. While standard processing uses machines to read barcodes, targeted, more intensive screening (including x-rays and dog sniffs) happens for certain mail, with all packages subject to inspection, especially those to government offices or flagged by employees or law enforcement. 

What happens if you get caught sending drugs through the mail?

Mailing and receiving illegal drugs can incur serious felony charges under federal law. The penalties vary depending on the quantity and type of drugs involved. For example, transporting over 20 grams of marijuana can lead to a third-degree felony.

What substance cannot be shipped via USPS?

Domestically Prohibited Items

Explosives. Gasoline. Liquid Mercury. Marijuana (medical or otherwise); hemp/CBD is allowed, but restricted.

How does USPS identify suspicious packages?

The USPS finds suspicious packages using a combination of trained employee observation, ** advanced screening technology** (like X-ray scanners and chemical detectors), and K-9 units, focusing on physical red flags like strange odors, excessive tape, rigid shapes, and misspelled labels, with the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) leading investigations for dangerous mail. 

How often do USPS boxes get checked?

USPS typically collects mail from blue collection boxes once or twice a day, with primary pickups scheduled in the afternoon or early evening. High-traffic areas, such as business districts and post office locations, may have more frequent collections, especially during peak mailing periods.

Does the USPS scan every package?

The Postal Service's goal is to scan all barcoded mailpieces (flats, letters, and packages) that enter the mailstream and track those items with additional scans up to the point of delivery. Scanning accuracy is critically important to the success of real-time visibility.

Do packages get scanned for drugs?

They use a handful of different detection methods, which include drug-sniffing dogs, X-ray screening, and surveillance of suspicious shipping patterns. Postal inspectors can also obtain search warrants to open packages if they have reasonable suspicion of illegal content.

Can the USPS see what's in your package?

Generally, no, the USPS doesn't know what's inside your package for domestic mail, as they only scan barcodes and read addresses, but they can inspect certain mail classes (like Media Mail) or open packages if they're suspicious, undeliverable, or for international shipments with customs forms. While domestic mail is sealed against inspection, postal inspectors can obtain warrants to open mail, and K-9 units and X-rays are used for security, especially for international mail. 

How much drugs are shipped through the USPS?

The Postal Service manages 1.2 billion prescription drug shipments a year — or about 4 million each day, six days a week — the National Association of Letter Carriers reported earlier this year.

What makes the feds pick up a drug case?

Federal charges come into play when certain things happen. For example, if a person transports drugs across state lines or into another country, federal laws may apply. If someone is arrested by a federal agency like the DEA, the case may also go to federal court.

What are the limitations from the USPS for mailing drugs?

Anyone can mail such drugs with the USPS as long as they comply with federal and state laws such as the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970 and the Consumer Protection Safety Commission Requirements. Controlled substances are drugs in which the federal government tightly controls.

Do USPS packages get screened?

If the package is not classified as Priority Mail Express™ service (domestic or international), Priority Mail® service, First–Class Package Service™, or an international letter package, it may be opened and its contents examined.

Can police search USPS packages?

According to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service website, first-class letters and packages are protected under the Fourth Amendment. They cannot be opened without a search warrant, the website states.

How to identify suspicious packages?

One indicator of a suspicious package or piece of mail includes inappropriate or unusual labeling, such as:

  1. Excessive postage.
  2. Misspelled common words.
  3. No return address or strange return address.
  4. Unusual addressing, such as not being addressed to a specific person or the use of incorrect titles or titles with no name.

What is a passing score for USPS?

To pass the USPS Virtual Entry Assessment (VEA), you generally need a score of 70 or higher, although some sources mention simply being "eligible" after the test. A score of 70 is the minimum to be considered for a position, but aiming for a higher score (like 90+) significantly increases your chances of being called, as higher scores are prioritized for interviews. 

Why do you have to pay $39 to apply for USPS?

Both the application and any exams are free – if you see any websites that are charging a fee they are not legitimate and should be reported to the United States Postal Inspection Service.

Will the USPS test you?

Yes. USPS requires pre-employment drug testing for all positions. The Postal Service follows federal drug-free workplace requirements and tests for substances including: Marijuana (THC)